fois
/fɔʃ/feminine
The English phrase rest can be translated into Gaelic as fois. Wiktionary also lists anail and tàmh.
Meaning: relief from exertion, state of quiet and recreation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fois | /fɔʃ/ /foʃ/ |
feminine |
| anail | feminine | |
| tàmh | /t̪ʰãːv/ | masculine |
The phrase refers to relief from exertion or a state of quiet and recreation. The word Scíth is the standard word for "rest" in Irish Gaelic.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word carry different nuances. anail literally means 'breath', it is used idiomatically to mean a 'rest' or a 'breather' in the sense of catching one's breath. tàmh is often used to describe a temporary pause or a lull in activity, rather than just physical sleep or repose.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The words have different genders: anail and fois are feminine, while tàmh is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔʃ/
Did you know?
- The term tàmh is a cognate of the Sanskrit word tāmyati, which means 'to choke' or 'to die'.
Examples in context
- Scíth a fháilTo get some rest
- Anois tá mé ag dul ag iarraidh scíth a fháilI am now going to try to rest
- Tá mé ag dul go dtí an leaba chun cúpla nóiméad suaimhneas a fháilI am going to bed to get a few moments of relaxation
- Ba mhaith liom scíth a fháilI want to get some rest
- Táim tuirseach agus ba mhaith liom suaimhneas a fháilI am tired and want to find peace
- Déan scíth ort féinRest yourself
- Bíodh suaimhneas ar do chodladhRest peacefully
- Tá sé ag dul ar scíth anoisHe/She is going to rest now
- Tha feum orm air fois.I need some rest.
- Tha an t-uisge a' toirt fois don talamh.The rain is giving rest to the land.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Callum are taking a break during a long hike.
- EilidhA bheil thu sgìth, a Callum?Are you tired, Callum?
- CallumTha, tha mi feumach air fois.Yes, I need some rest.
- EilidhSuidh sinn an seo beagan.Let's sit here for a bit.
- CallumTaighse, tapadh leat, a Eilidh.Great, thank you, Eilidh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rest” translations and entries fois, anail, tàmh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anail, tàmh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
